Newcomers contribute, but comeback falls short, 5-4

CONDORSTOWN – The Bakersfield Condors (0-2-0-1, 1pt) nearly rallied from a three-goal third period deficit, but fell just short as they fell 5-4 to the Stockton Thunder (2-1-0-0, 4pts) in front of 5,477 fans Friday night at Rabobank Arena.

Post-game interview | HIGHLIGHTS | Scoresheet

First period

CONDORS GOAL: F Gary Steffes (1st), tips in a shot from D Blake Kessel, :37 into the game. Additional assist from F George Hughes. Condors lead 1-0.
STOCKTON GOAL: F Ryan Hayes (2nd), wrist shot from the slot. Tied, 1-1.
STOCKTON GOAL: F Ben Rosen (1st), wrist shot from between the circles. Thunder lead 2-1.
Stockton out-shot the Condors 9-7.

Second period

CONDORS GOAL: D Erik Burgdoerfer on a breakaway after coming out of the penalty box. Assist by Neal. Tied 2-2.
STOCKTON GOAL: D Shawn Boutin (1st) shot from the right point. Thunder lead 3-2.
STOCKTON GOAL: F Matt Bergland (1st) on a 5-on-3 power play from the low slot. Thunder lead 4-2.
STOCKTON GOAL: Boutin (2nd) shot from the right boards. Thunder lead 5-2.
Fight: BAK F Gary Steffes vs. STK F Garet Hunt.
Stockton out-shoot Bakersfield 24-8 in the period.

Third period

Condors replace G Tyler Bunz (33/28) with G Paul Karpowich to start the period.
CONDORS GOAL: F Jordan Knackstedt (1st) on the power play from C Ryan Garlock; 8:54. Thunder lead, 5-3.
CONDORS GOAL: Neal (1st) in front from F Tyler Brenner; 12:02. Thunder lead, 5-4.
Fight: BAK F Cameron Abney vs. STK D Mike Dalhuisen

W – Brian Foster (24/20) – 2-0-0-0

L – Tyler Bunz (40:00, 33/28) – 0-1-0-1

no decision – BAK Paul Karpowich (19:08, 11/11)

Condors Droppings:

Three Stars: 1. Boutin (STK); 2. Neal (BAK); 3. Steffes (BAK)
Shots on goal: BAK- 23 | STK – 44
Power plays: BAK- 1/5 | STK – 1/6
D Blake Kessel (2a) and F Michael Neal (1g-1a) both recorded multi-point games in their Condors debut.
C Ryan Garlock also picked up an assist in their first game with the Condors.
Condors Scratches: Pageau, G. Burgdoerfer, Morley, Lyon, Oakley, Haines (21-IR)

Back on home ice:

Saturday night, Oct. 26 is One Direction Night, sponsored by KLLY 95.3 and Dignity Health. The first 2,000 fans 17 and under get a 12″ One Direction standee, and 20 lucky fans will win a life-size cutout of a member of your favorite British Boy Band.

Ticket packages for the 2013-14 season are still available and can be had for close to $10 per month. Click here or call 324-PUCK (7825) for more information.